The Globe: be a groundling, or sit in the stands?

If you think you can stand for a few hour, being a groundling can be fun. One of the things you can do is stand next to the stage and be very close to the action. If it rains though, as a groundling there isn't much protection if the place is crowded. Either way you'll enjoy it.

Being a groundling is cheaper and can be fun, but...

-The pit is open, so you are exposed to the weather,
-Umbrellas are not allowed,
-You have to stand the whole time, you are not allowed to sit on the floor.

Sherrie

We saw King Lear there last summer, and it was great. There was a huge thunderstorm, which was very atmospheric and appropriate to the action on stage.

We were sitting, and thus under cover, but I felt for the groundlings. As other people have said no umbrellas are allowed, but they did seem to be selling plastic coveralls to keep the worse of the water off.

If you can stand comfortably for the length of the play, and are prepared to risk the rain I think being almost level with the action would be great.

BTW, just opposite the entrance to the Globe is a good middle eastern restaurant - The Tas - which is handy for a pre-play meal (if not all that authentic an Elizabethan experience.)

Alan

We sat in the stands at the Globe several years ago and it was great. Personally I wouldn´t have enjoyed standing - the standing bit itself and although physically closer to the stage, the view of it would not have been as good.

And then there is the weather.....

To me, if you can afford it, go for the seats.

Sometimes it's worth it to pay a little more. Go ahead and treat yourselves.

I would say that the experience of being a groundling is "worth" more than the experience of sitting in the more expensive seats. You really feel a connected to the actors, a part of the play, and really get a sense for the way the Elizabethan theatre experience differs from our own.

As in Shakespeare's time, groundlings can walk in and out of the theatre. So if you are tired, you can go out into the courtyard and take a break, sit down if you need to. It's not considered rude. It's true that there's no protection from the elements - but if you bring a rain jacket or sunscreen, you will be fine.

The other replies have covered the bases. When we went, we had seats in the upper balcony. Aside from a little vertigo, it was great. It also rained during the performance. That enhanced the authenticity for the groundlings! If the sky looks bad, you can buy a transparent rain poncho in the gift shop before the performance.